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07 September 2008

Answer to Question #7499 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Radon

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I need to order a urine radon exposure test kit. I also need to be tested for uranium and radium. Please let me know how to get tested.

I have high levels of radon in my house despite having a radon pump working. I have many health issues that might be related to radon/uranium exposure in our house.

I am unaware of any urine test kits for radon, and I am not aware that urine testing for radon is done at all. Concerning radium and uranium, there are methods of analyzing these radioactive materials in urine, which are used primarily for workers in certain nuclear-related industries. There are some commercial radiochemical laboratories that offer these analyses, and the Internet link below identified as "laboratories" may help you locate a vendor that could perform your analyses. The laboratories marked "yes" in the bioassay column would be the ones most likely to perform analyses of urine for radium and uranium. Regarding your health concerns, the Internet links below provide information about radon, radium, and uranium, including their health effects.

Laboratories: http://www.crcpd.org/CommercialServices/radiochemistrylabs.pdf

Radium: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp144.html

Uranium: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs150.html

Radon: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs145.html

Tom Gesell, CHP, PhD

Answer posted on 12 May 2008. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.